GOOD LUCK BEAR

Foley’s waif-like bear cub is back with another life lesson for little ones (Don’t Worry Bear, 2008, etc.). Finding a common clover, Bear learns from Mouse that one with four leaves is said to bring good luck. On a quest for the coveted plant, Bear receives commentary both hopeful and skeptical from Monkey, Turtle, Elephant, Groundhog, Squirrel and Bunny—who claims he has just found one and eaten it. With Bear feeling a bit down and distinctly unlucky, Mouse shares his find of a five-leaf clover, reversing a sense of misfortune with jubilance and optimism. Foley’s spare, direct prose matches his simple yet telling stylized drawings, which reflect an almost Asian quality in black line and muted, pale greens, blues, tans and browns. Taken together, they convey a subtle message of finding good fortune and happiness in friendship. Once again, Foley’s unpretentious Bear and Mouse deliver profound wisdom in a sweetly understated manner. (Picture book. 3-5)